How to Put a Jeep Wrangler in 4 Wheel Drive?
The 4-wheel drive (4WD) has grown very common in vehicles, especially Jeeps. This improvement in automotive technology has made driving on slippery and rough terrains a lot easier. This guide will teach you how to turn your Jeep Wrangler into 4-wheel drive and the various 4-wheel drive systems a Jeep has.
You will also learn about the different situations where it is not ideal to use the 4WD mode. If you are a newbie to the Jeep community, primarily for off-road fanatics, learning the 4WD system is a step in the right direction to better your driving experience.
Are All Jeep Wranglers 4 Wheel Drive?
Jeeps are well-known for their 4WD ability, but you should know that not all Jeep models are classified as 4WD. It all depends on the model, year of manufacture, and trim. Some Jeeps have the 4×2 wheel setup, a full-time 4WD, part-time 4WD, an All-Wheel Drive (AWD), or an on-demand 4WD system.
Older Jeep models like the Civilian Jeep are mainly manual 4x4s or 4x2s wheel drives. But modern Jeeps are now designed with an intuitive all-wheel drive.
Taking all recent Jeep models to have 4×4 drivetrains is incorrect information. The 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Compass Longitude are made with a 4×2 front-wheel-drive system, not the 4WD. Jeeps produced from 2011 onwards have supported the 4×4 drivetrain; the manufacturer decides whether to make the system a full-time or part-time setup.
Various 4WD Systems
Most of the Jeep models produced in 2020 were all 4WD vehicles. But you have to note that not all 4WD Jeeps are similar. A 4WD can come in different setups, which we are going to discuss shortly:
Full-time 4WD
For a full-time 4WD system, the car operates in 4WD automatically, you don’t have to do it manually, and this mode can stay this way irrespective of the nature of the road. Typically, it requires a smooth and slimy surface for the front and back axles and is very good for off-roading trips.
Due to its default mode, the Jeep won’t need any steps during 0ff-roading. In addition, the coupling between the front and rear shafts makes engaging the 4-Hi or 4H mode on the road easy; this is a feature not designed in the part-time 4WD systems.
There is a popular misconception about the 4WD: this drivetrain improves the stopping power or turning adeptness of the Jeep. But that’s not the case. Instead, it boosts the vehicle acceleration irrespective of the terrain.
If your vehicle has high-quality tires fixed, cornering and braking power becomes very effective and easy to perform. If you have the Vehicle’s Traction Management system, it will also serve as a boost.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
You can say that the all-wheel drive is similar to a permanent 4WD. The major difference is that it doesn’t have the 4-Lo setting, and the 4WD mode activates automatically when driving on a slippery road. Outside these few differences, it has the same capabilities as the 4WD setup.
Jeeps made with the AWD operate on 4WD by default and can also maintain that on all terrains, even during off-roading. AWD vehicles also have a center differential that permits front and back tires to make turns at varying speeds. However, when there is no low-range option, the car cannot perform efficiently in off-road conditions.
Part-time 4WD
As opposed to the above-mentioned systems, the part-time or partial 4WD systems operate quite differently from those two. The default mode for vehicles with this system is the 2WD.
So instead of your vehicle using a center differential, it locks the rear and front driveshafts, which translates to a better-controlled spin. This system makes the part-time 4WD systems fit for off-road conditions or other rugged terrains. Otherwise, binding might be expected.
You should know that excessive use of the part-time 4WD elevates the propensity for premature component failure or overheating. That’s why the Jeep savant advises that you use the 4WD automatic setting for Jeep Wranglers that have part-time 4WD systems.
Engaging the Four-wheel Drive in a Jeep Wrangler while driving on high-traction surfaces like those can increase the chances of your drivetrain parts locking up. Hence, the action can cause heavy under-steering and high-demand costs for repairs.
On-Demand 4WD
The on-demand four-wheel drive operates on the 2WD system by default; it will change if you do it manually.
The significant difference between the part-time and on-demand 4WD is the automatic engagement of the 4WD whenever you enter a very slippery terrain, for instance, mud or icy roads.
You can say that the on-demand 4WD is like an automatic version of the part-time four-wheel drive.
To engage the 4WD feature on vehicles with this type of drivetrain, you have to understand how various systems function independently and how they differ.
Especially if you are new to the Jeep world, it will be best if you learn about them first before you begin engaging the 4WD. The method of engagement might be different for various Jeep models.
How To Put a Jeep Wrangler In 4-Wheel Drive?
You have to know that there isn’t just one straightforward method that tells you how to engage the 4WD in Jeeps. It is a must that your driving conditions change, even when you are using the 4WD at first.
You might have those trips on the backcountry side, beach, rainforest regions, or a muddy route. All these instances fall on different terrains which your vehicle must handle.
One of the common ways to engage the 4WD in a manual transmission Jeep is to push the clutch down and drag the gear shifter to stay at 4H. Please do not accelerate while you do this. If you are driving an automatic Jeep, you need to bring down your speed. Select the Neutral (N) mode on the gear shifter while keeping your foot on the brakes. Gently move the shift selector to 4H and then the gear selector to Drive (D). You are good to go.
Understanding the operations of the various gear positions in your vehicle and knowing which surface terrain will allow you to use the 4WD safely is the best way to put your Jeep in 4 Wheel Drive.
Gearing that fits the terrain condition you are driving on helps safeguard your drivetrain parts from damage.
The 4L (second gear 4-Lo) is the perfect way to beat steep and uneven inclines. The 4L gives you the best power-control balance and a comfortable driving experience.
Conversely, other terrains with loose surfaces or deep ruts need a rear differential lock with the second gear 4-Lo. So you see how the road conditions affect the 4WD engagement.
FAQs
Do you need to be neutral to switch to 4WD?
Most Jeep Wranglers require you to engage your vehicle to be neutral first before switching the car to 4L. If you do not put the vehicle into the Neutral mode before attempting to switch it to 4L, it can lead to irreparable damage to your drivetrain and transmission system. You shouldn’t try doing this at all. Always remember to change to Neutral mode before switching to the 4WD.
How can I know if my Jeep Wrangler is the 4-wheel drive?
You should know if your Jeep is in the four-wheel-drive mode just by looking at the dashboard or the shift lever point. Suppose you are on four-wheel drive, and there’s a light next to the 4L or 4H on the dashboard; that light has to come on. On paved roads, you shouldn’t be driving on 4WD; you can keep your vehicle in the two-wheel-drive mode and still enjoy a comfortable ride.
How does Jeep 4-wheel drive work?
The 4×4 drivetrain system has a huge mechanical wet clutch and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. This component allows the rear-drive torque to be fully sent to one of your rear wheels. Managing the suspension and torque split is done with a dial on your five-mode Select Track system.
How can I know if my Jeep has a 4-wheel drive?
For drivers who can do some heavy work and possess the necessary mechanical repair tools. You can check if your Jeep has a 4-wheel drive by lifting your vehicle with a jack to a point where all your four tires aren’t touching the floor. Then, you can ask for the help of someone to assist with watching your tires while you step on the gas pedal. If you confirm that all your tires are spinning simultaneously, looking for traction, your vehicle is a 4-Wheel drive machine.
Can you switch from 2WD to 4WD while driving?
Yes, you can easily switch your driving mode from 2WD to 4WD if your vehicle is built with both drivetrains. However, it is best to ensure you switch modes while you are on a low speed and not about to attempt a curve. This will help if you drive on muddy terrains or surfaces with low traction.
Conclusion
As a Jeep owner, you are expected to know how to set your Jeep in four-wheel drive to enjoy the full capabilities of the 4×4.
You should also be able to read the handling quality of your vehicle, and you can only learn that via personal drive experience and specific conditions.
If you add the knowledge from this guide with your experience as a driver, you will have no issues changing drive modes.
